Nielsen reports on the United States' alcohol market →
According to Nielsen, in the 52 weeks to June 2017, wine sales in the on-trade rose 1.5%, as spirits rose 1.6%, and beer sales slid by over 2%. There was also growth in the off-trade, with wine up 1.4% and spirits 2.2%, compared to beer at 0.1%. Analysts cite millennials’ preference for tasting rooms and tiki bars as the reason for wine and spirits growth, and argue that online commerce is the reason for beers’ decline.
Two New Zealand wineries sold to fine wine start-up →
Aotearoa New Zealand Fine Wine Estates Limited Partnership has acquired Pyramid Valley Vineyards in Waikari, North Canterbury, and Lowburn Ferry Wines in Central Otago. ANZFWE is a new venture between Brian Sheth, director of Sangeal Wines, and Steve Smith, founder of Craggy Range and director of LandbaseWineNZ.
Minibar Delivery secures $5 million in funding →
Minibar Delivery, an on-demand alcohol delivery service based in the United States, announced that it has raised $5 million in funding, bringing its total investment capital to $6.8 million. The funding will be used to accelerate Minibar Delivery’s entry into new regions and new marketplaces, and further develop its footprint in its existing markets.
Duckhorn Wine Company acquires Calera →
Napa Valley’s Duckhorn Wine Company acquired Calera Wine Company, which produces about 35,000 cases of Pinot Noir per year. The sale includes the Calera brand, winemaking facility, tasting room, inventory, and estate vineyards, including 85 acres of vines that were planted in the Mt. Harlan AVA.
